Mark Raa

About Mark Raa

I’m a Cape Town-based entrepreneur who enjoys staying active and taking on the occasional endurance challenge. I’ve completed a few marathons, endurance events, and Ironman races over the years, and I’m always looking for ways to use sport as a reason to keep pushing myself, stay healthy, and hopefully support a worthwhile cause along the way.

My story

I’m taking part to raise funds for Calling Education and to help create opportunities for young people through access to quality education in South Africa. Education has the ability to change the trajectory of someone’s life, and knowing that the money raised through this challenge can have a meaningful and lasting impact is a huge part of why I’ve decided to take it on. The challenge itself is daunting: an 8 km swim from Robben Island, 109 km on the bike, followed by a 50 km trail run across Cape Town’s Three Peaks, all with the aim of finishing within 24 hours. Having something bigger than a finish line to train for gives all the early mornings, long weekends and tough sessions a much greater sense of purpose. For me, the months of training are part of the commitment. If putting myself through something difficult can help raise money for a cause like this, then it’s a challenge worth taking on. I’d be incredibly grateful for any support, whether that’s through a donation, sharing the page, or simply following the journey.

The 167km challenge

• Swim8kmRobben Island Crossing
• Cycle109kmCape Town Cycle Tour
• Run50kmSummit Three Peaks